CARE OF CHICKS—COOPS FOR THEM. 55 
it will pay to use it for common chickens. It is portable, 
having handles by which it can be lifted while closed, 
and moved to fresh clean ground. It therefore secures 
cleanliness, as ground that has been occupied by a 
number of chickens fora few days becomes foul and un- 
wholesome. It is also provided with a floor-board or 
drawer, which can be withdrawn every day, and cleaned. 
If this is supplied with fresh sand or earth daily, the 
coop will be kept clean and sweet, and the manure 
dropped may be preserved for use. It secures dryness, 
because it is raised from the ground by feet at the 
corners, and is covered with a broad sheltering roof. It 
has good ventilation, even when closed, by means of 
the wire gauze at the front, and by holes in the ends, 
which should also be covered with wire gauze. It is safe; 
no chicxens can be killed in moving it; it is shut up at 
night, so that no rats or weasels can enter, and the chicks 
cannot roam abroad when the ground is wet. The 
movements of the hen and chickens can be controlled 
with facility, as the roof is hinged at the peak, and opens 
